The Scene For nearly five decades, Gulf Arab countries and Iran have had frosty, but pragmatic, relations. Historic ties between people, a shared geography, and the necessity of trade forced both sides to avoid outright enmity. Tehran’s response to the US and Israeli war has shattered any remaining belief in ...
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Japan deploys long-range missiles in defense policy shiftJapan deploys long-range missiles in defense policy shift
Japan deployed its first long-range cruise missiles at a military camp, pushing the limits of the country’s pacifist stance. The move marks a “major turning point” in Tokyo’s military policy, a Japanese newspaper wrote: The country has long maintained a strictly defensive posture, but has steadily built up military capabilities, ...
Stocks surge on optimism for Iran war endStocks surge on optimism for Iran war end
US stocks bounced back on Tuesday on reports that both Tehran and Washington may be looking to exit the month-long conflict. US President Donald Trump is willing to cease hostilities even if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, The Wall Street Journal reported. And Iran’s president suggested the Islamic Republic ...
Global dealmaking sees strong 2026 startGlobal dealmaking sees strong 2026 start
Global dealmaking had a bumper start to the year despite geopolitical turmoil. The 20% year-on-year increase in transaction values resulted in the largest first-quarter haul on record, Bloomberg reported, thanks largely to several mega mergers and acquisitions. Post-pandemic dealmaking fell after wars broke out in Ukraine and Gaza — and ...
War could cost MidEast nearly $200B in lost economic outputWar could cost MidEast nearly $200B in lost economic output
The Iran conflict will cost the Middle East nearly $200 billion in lost economic output, the UN projected Tuesday. A prolonged conflict could lead to an exodus of foreign workers and a drop in investment, which could drive up unemployment and poverty. Global firms, for now, say they remain committed ...
Eurovision expands to AsiaEurovision expands to Asia
The Eurovision Song Contest on Tuesday announced its first Asia edition, with Bangkok set to host the campy international competition in the fall. At least 10 countries, including South Korea, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, are set to take part in the contest, with each nation submitting a pop performance to compete ...
In private, Gulf leaders push for Iran escalationIn private, Gulf leaders push for Iran escalation
The US has been accused of muddled thinking in its prosecution of the Iran war, but Gulf leaders may be sending confused messages too: calling for de-escalation in public while reportedly urging the White House in private to keep hammering Iran. Officials from Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE ...
Ratings agencies warn of impact of Iran warRatings agencies warn of impact of Iran war
The Iran war is testing the resilience of Gulf energy producers, and is starting to have an impact on their credit ratings. Fitch warned on Monday that it could downgrade Qatar’s rating, citing the risk of further damage to the country’s gas facilities while adding that, even if the war ...
Gulf leaders scramble for Hormuz work-aroundGulf leaders scramble for Hormuz work-around
For decades, Iran’s threats to close the Strait of Hormuz if attacked were largely ignored. Saudi Arabia and the UAE invested years ago in pipelines that allow part of their crude exports to bypass the chokepoint, but Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar remained trapped by geography. Now there is momentum behind ...
Wall Street bosses stick by the Gulf despite warWall Street bosses stick by the Gulf despite war
Matthew’s view A succession of firms have stepped forward in recent days to say they remain committed to investing in the Gulf. That’s despite a war that seems to lack a clear strategy or endgame, and that is wreaking havoc across the Gulf. Which begs the question: Is Wall Street ...